Program Cost:

The partnership between the University of Iowa and Nanzan University in Nagoya is one of the oldest in UI's history. This exchange program started in 1984 and is still going strong today. With this incredible program, UI students are able to undertake a year or a semester of study at Nanzan's Center for Japanese Studies (CJS). The CJS program is suitable for students of any major interested in developing fluency in Japanese language, but is most beneficial to the students in the University of Iowa's Japanese Program.

Please note: Due to an exchange imbalance, students can only participate as fee-based (non-exchange) participants. Please contact the advisor in the Study Abroad office for more information on how to apply directly to Nanzan.

Academics

Students are only able to take courses offered by the CJS while on this program, but there are a wide array of available courses. The foundation of the CJS is built on its Intensive Language Instruction. These courses stress speaking, listening, reading and writing, and there are intensive courses for both beginners and advanced students. The teaching staff are fantastic and very well regarded in their fields.

In addition to the intensive language courses, there are also language courses focused on Japanese Business, Japanese in Tourism, Japanese in the Media, Classical Japanese, and even creative writing.

To supplement the language courses, there are also many courses in Japanese studies. These courses can be taught in either Japanese or in English and range in topic from Japanese History, to Japanese Art and Culture, Japanese Religion, Japanese Politics, Japanese Society, etc. There are also practical courses in Japanese arts, such as Ikebana (flower arrangement), Hanga (woodblock printing), and Shodo (calligraphy).

Cultural Activities

There are many various activities available to the exchange students throughout the year at Nanzan. There are myriad opportunities to explore both the traditional and modern aspects of Japanese society and culture, whether it's touring a Toyota assembly plant, spending an evening at the Kabuki theater, visiting a Zen Buddhist monastery, touring the Nagoya Castle, or many other cultural activities. There is always something to do in Nagoya, and it's situated comfortably between Osaka and Tokyo too!

Dates

Fall Semesters are typically from early September through mid December.

Spring Semesters are typically from early January through late May.

Summer Program is typically from early June through mid July.

For More Info

If you have more questions or are ready to apply to the Nanzan CJS Exchange, please make an appointment with the program advisor by calling the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353, or you can e-mail the program advisor with general questions.

Nanzan University

Nanzan University is a private university with over 5,000 students drawn primarily from Aichi prefecture and the surrounding area. It has a reputation as one of the leading universities in the Nagoya region, and is particularly strong in language education, international studies, and economics.

The Center for Japanese Studies (CJS)

Nagoya Castle

The CJS has been a leader in Japanese language and culture studies since 1974. The CJS strives to provide each student studying there with the experience of "real Japan." They do this through weaving together incredible course offerings, activities, traditional cultural studies, modern business exposure and Japanese people to give students the best experience they can, while helping to facilitate the students' own discoveries of Japan.

The CJS is an integral part of the university. It enrolls over 100 students from twenty different countries, with the majority coming from the U.S. In addition to its academic program centered on comprehensive language training, the center administers the Home Stay Program, provides orientation and academic advising, offers information on alternative housing options, and organizes student excursions.

Nagoya

The city of Nagoya is a major metropolitan area in central Japan with a population of over two million. It is the urban center of Aichi prefecture, which has one of Japan's major ports and major industries such as Toyota and Mitsubishi manufacturing. Excellent air, road and rail services provide convenient access to all points. It is situated between Tokyo and Osaka and has quick connections to both major cities. Nagoya is noted for its comprehensive city planning projects. Its history dates back to the 17th century, when Tokugawa Ieyasu, the general who unified Japan, built a castle in Nagoya.

Living Arrangements

Students typically have two options for accommodation while studying at Nanzan - a homestay or student dormitories. Spaces in each category are limited and cannot be guaranteed, but every effort will be made by Nanzan to place you in your first choice for accommodation.

The Homestay Program

If total immersion is your goal, there is no better way to accomplish this than via a homestay. By being able to experience, partake in and share in the daily life of your host family, your knowledge of both Japanese language and culture can be learned firsthand, and be greater than otherwise possible. Students will stay with a family close to the campus (hopefully no more than a 60min commute), and often times in families that have alumni from Nanzan. Students placed in host families are really able to enjoy experiences not available to students living in the dormitories, such as: family gatherings, holidays, meals, vacations, etc. We highly recommend you at least consider this option.

The Dormitory Option

The immediate great thing about the dormitories is there locations. They are basically on campus and a short walk from wherever you need to go. The rooms are furnished and you have many people in the dorms around you. The majority of the students in these dorms are international, so it isn't exactly an immersive experience for Japanese language and culture, but they are very nice.

Travel Arrangements

Students are advised NOT to purchase airline tickets until they receive acceptance confirmation from both UI and Nanzan. If you have questions and/or concerns about this, please contact the study abroad advisor at 319-335-0353.

Students are expected to find their own flights to Nagoya, though Study Abroad can assist by providing advice on airfare. Nanzan will make arrangements for you to be picked up at the Nagoya airport by either someone in your host family, a roommate or other person. More info on flights, arrival times, and pickup details will be provided by Nanzan closer to the date of departure.

Eligibility

This program is open to all UI students who are in both good academic and also disciplinary standing. Applicants must also meet the minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, both overall and in Japanese language courses; must have one year of college Japanese or more; and have completed at least one semester in residence at the University of Iowa. Preference will be given to students with a strong record in Japanese.

The number of participants is limited by reciprocity in the numbers to be exchanged and meeting the minimum requirement for eligibility does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The final decision on admissions rests with Nanzan University.

Eligibility Policy

It is the University of Iowa’s policy that all students who study abroad must be in both good academic standing and also good disciplinary standing. Students who, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad.

In these cases, students must forfeit their acceptance and will NOT be allowed to study abroad. Any student that must forfeit their acceptance and/or attendance on a study abroad program due to a probationary status is wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.

Program Cost Sheet

This document outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill, as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic.

Please note: Due to an exchange imbalance, students can only participate as fee-based (non-exchange) participants. Please contact the advisor in the Study Abroad office for more information on how this determines the fees for participants.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

Withdrawal policy

After applying for a Study Abroad Program, notice of withdrawal must be made in writing to University of Iowa Study Abroad. The date on which the letter or e-mail message is received is the date by which your costs will be calculated. If for any reason you withdraw after the confirmation deadline and before or during the course of the program, the amount/percentage shown in the following chart represents what you will be required to pay to the University of Iowa.

Consult with your Study Abroad advisor for any clarification about fees and billing. Note that when you withdraw from a program, any money already paid directly to a program provider and/or a host university will potentially be forfeited. Check with your specific provider/host university for details. Additional penalties for cancellation of airline tickets may also apply. Check with your airline for further details.

Application Deadline

The online application for the Spring Semester Program will be available from 6/15 to 8/1.

The online application for the Fall Semester and Academic Year Programs will be available from 1/1 to 2/15.

Any supplemental materials are due to the study abroad office one week later.

If interested in the summer program, please call 319-335-0353 to make an appointment with the Japan advisor to discuss. There is no online application and a paper application must be picked up from the Japan advisor.

How to Apply

Please note: Due to an exchange imbalance, the UI online study abroad application for this program has been deactivated. Please contact the advisor in the Study Abroad office for more information on how to apply directly to Nanzan. Students will also need to fulfill on-campus requirements with the UI Study Abroad office.

Note, students must fill out two applications. Students who are accepted after the first round of applications on the UI online systems will be required to fill out Nanzan's paper application. This paper application will only be granted to the initial set of accepted students. It is important to also note, that students MUST make an appointment with the study abroad advisor for this program. Your UI online application will not be considered until you've met with the study abroad advisor. Please call 319-335-0353 to schedule an appointment.

Orientation Information

Accepted applicants will be required to attend two orientations - one pre-departure hosted by the University of Iowa, and one upon arrival hosted by Nanzan. Specifics of each orientation will be communicated to accepted applicants after acceptance, and accepted applicants will receive detailed orientation/preparation materials directly from Nanzan.

Onsite Orientation

Nanzan will make special arrangements to have someone pick you up at the Nagoya airport (Japanese host family, roommate, etc.).

Students will then be required to attend an onsite three-day orientation at Nanzan. This orientation starts with a Japanese language placement test, and then has an opening ceremony. Students will learn how to open a bank account, apply for their commuter pass, and other very useful daily life things, as well as have tours and other various campus orientations.

Visa

Accepted students will be directed and assisted through the Japanese visa application process. It is lengthy, but Nanzan takes care of the majority of the paperwork processing. Accepted students will have assistance throughout this process.